PRINCIPAL STAFF OFFICER 1
Career Family: PRINCIPAL STAFF OFFICER
In the unclassified service, Principal Staff Officer 1 is appointed rather than examined for, and its pay is often negotiated case by case.
This is the senior rung of the Principal Staff Officer series, the level you reach after Principal Staff Officer 2. The spec names a bachelor's degree, but it leaves the door open to substitute experience for the degree. Its salary schedule (frozen at an older rate) lists $65,195 to $91,272, though managerial and exempt titles like this are usually paid individually rather than on the step schedule.
How to apply
This title is not filled by examination — agencies appoint directly.
See every real route in, and where to apply. We don't track live vacancies.
How to apply for this title →Pay ladder: Principal Staff Officer series
- Principal Staff Officer 3 — $79,844 – $117,228
- Principal Staff Officer 2 — $91,628 – $134,900
- Principal Staff Officer 1 — $65,195 – $91,272 (this title)
Its top salary lands around the 35th percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.
Rungs are ordered by FY2027 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.
Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction of a General Staff Officer or Executive Director, Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs, assists in the direction and execution of administrative procedures pertinent to the organization; exercises staff supervision over employees of a division or separate bureau; may coordinate the activities of the Bureau Chiefs; does other related work as required.
Examples of work
Assists in the direction and execution of administrative matters. Assists in the development of programs for the department and its subdivisions. Assists in the development of personnel programs for the State's military forces. Assists with preparing annual budget requirements. Recommends disciplinary actions to the Adjutant General. Analyzes the preparation of reports and/or statistics. Conducts surveys and studies. Assists in planning and implementing improvements, including organizational changes and work systems. Implements the State and Military Safety programs. Assists in the handling of congressional executive correspondence relating to the New Jersey National Guard. Represents the Department in conferences, seminars, and meetings conducted for individuals and units of the National Guard. Recommends State regulations and directives implementing State and higher headquarters policies within the scope of activities. Supervises the work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees. Provides guidance to bureau chiefs for implementation of policies and dissemination of instructions and information. Assists in the creation and implementation of special projects and studies pertaining to reorganization, activation, and stationing of National Guard Units in the State. Develops standards to be met by respective subordinate supervisory personnel regarding all matters of management. Manages resources, funds, manpower, equipment, and facilities to achieve maximum support to units and other agencies within the Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs. Evaluates the preparation and execution of operational plans regarding mobilization (State and Federal), Civil disturbances, natural disasters, air search and rescue, and conducting military field exercises directed by the Department and the U.S. Army. Conducts inspections to determine the effectiveness of individuals and/or units relative to assigned areas of responsibility. Assists in the organization of schools, development of school programs, selection of instructors, establishes quotas, and conducts or coordinates necessary program administration. Reviews and prepares correspondence. Supervises the maintenance of records and files. May perform other functions or duties as directed by the General Staff Officer or Executive Director. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
Requirements
Incumbent must be an active member of the New Jersey National Guard upon appointment to this position. Subsequent to appointment, should the incumbent cease to be an active member of the New Jersey National Guard for any reason, his term of employment may be extended by the Adjutant General in a civilian status until such time as the incumbent is eligible for retirement as a veteran under N.J.S.A. 43:15A-61.
Education
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's degree.
Experience
Five (5) years of full-time supervisory military experience in the Department of Military Affairs or Department of Veterans Affairs at the level of Bureau Chief or a related management position or five (5) years of military experience at the General or Principal Staff Officer level in a related field or five (5) years of military experience as an Executive Officer or as Commander of a Battalion size unit.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in NJ only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of military policies and procedures. Knowledge of government budget and administrative practices and procedures. Knowledge of organization structure, policies, standards, and objectives of the Department. Knowledge of management and supervisory tactics. Knowledge of Labor and management relations. Ability to oversee and supervise the various functions of the division. Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with the general public on matters concerning the activities of the Department. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers and others. Ability to direct the establishment and maintenance of extensive records and files. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Successful completion of the Commanders Development Course or equivalent. Applicants who do not possess the required education may substitute experience as indicated on a year for year basis.